You asking me to meet you up here can only mean one thing. I take it they're ready?

Yes, they are.

I finally have something worthy of being taste tested.

This is what I made...

I apologize for them not being wrapped more elegantly.

No, that's okay. Thank you.

Without further ado, I'll open this up...

(Ah, they appear to be fairly standard cupcakes...)

(At the same time...

I'm staggered by how much more appetizing these look compared to the other ones...)

(They neither look poisonous nor like they've exploded. They do look a little big and lopsided, but they've been baked to a nice golden brown...)

(And this gentle but sweet aroma... It must be the vanilla extract. My stomach's growling with each whiff that passes through my nose...)

(It's like a beautiful intertwining of his clumsiness and gentle kindness... They're simple cupcakes, but very heartfelt.)

(I wonder how they taste...)

Let's find out...

Hmm... This is...

(The second I put it in my mouth, I could tell how fluffy and moist it is. What a wonderful texture...)

(And it isn't too sweet...

I can feel a slight hint of vanilla passing through my nasal cavity...)

So, how is it...?

Ah, well...

They're very good.

Th-Thank you very much...!

Hehe. You've improved quite a lot. I'm sure Tsukasa and his sister will enjoy these very much.

Oh, yes... But...

Now that you mention it, I'm starting to get a little nervous.

That's understandable, but there's no need to feel so apprehensive.

Why not try thinking about the happiest thing they ever did for you when you were little?

Didn't they do their absolute best to put a smile on your face?

Oh...

(He may be right...)

(Even that time, those two did everything they could to cheer me up.)

(Them putting on a brilliant show for me was one thing, but they were just so incredibly thoughtful.)

(As a result, I find myself awestruck in the presence of those who work to make others smile...)

(And they're no exception...)

Thank you very much, Kamishiro...

You've given me a nice boost of encouragement.

Ah, I'm glad to hear that it helped.

Also... Please, have these.

I know it's a bit early, but they're for White Day. It's a small token of my appreciation in response to all the help you've given me.

Oh, this is wrapped rather nicely...

What could be inside?

They're also cupcakes.

However, these are a variant where I mixed in some chocolate. I hope you enjoy them...

The one you had me try was very good, so I'm sure I will. Thank you, Aoyagi.

I hope Tsukasa and his sister also enjoy your cupcakes.

Tsukasa!

Are the plates ready?

Yes! The tablecloth's also all set!

How's the food coming along? Will the beef stew be ready in time?!

Yup!

Wait, isn't this tablecloth upside down?!

What?! Y-You're right! The tag's in plain view! How could this have happened...?

Geez, we need to fix this fast before Toya gets here!

W-We do... But it's okay.

We still have time until...

S-Saki! Fix the tablecloth for me!

I'll get the door!

O-Okay...!

Be right there, Toya!

Pardon the intrusion.

And thank you for having me today.

No, thank you for coming over!

We put a ton of effort into dinner, so get ready for a feast!

Indeed! So, Toya, now that you're here, let us begin our dinner party!

Oh, before we do...

Hm? Is something the matter?

No, it's just... I have something for the two of you, but I was wondering if I should wait until after dinner...

Oh, you have a surprise for us?

I can't wait to see what you prepared.

Ah, I'm not entirely sure what's going on... But let's start our party!

*Sigh*

Thank you very much.

That was delicious...

It was?! That's wonderful to hear!

Yes, the beef stew was particularly good...

The beef and vegetables were so soft and slow-cooked to perfection. Also, the broth was rich and filled with so much flavor.

Really? Thank goodness. By the way, Tsukasa and I made that together.

Saki was in charge of all the frying and stewing, while I was...in charge of washing and chopping the vegetables!

Also, Toya, how did you like the marinade? Saki did all of that herself, you know?

You did? I liked how the onions' natural spiciness went so well with the lemon juice's refreshing flavor. It was very good.

H-Hehe. You're making me blush...

Again, thank you both very much for this wonderful meal.

Alright, now that we've had dinner, how does tea sound?

Yeah! Toya, our mom was given this really amazing tea. I'll go make some now, so just gimme a second!

Oh, I'm sorry...

Before we do, I have some gifts for the both of you.

Oh, the thing you mentioned when you got here? I wanna see! I've been wondering this whole time!

So, here they are...

I hope you enjoy them...

Oh, are these...?

Ah! Cupcakes! They look delicious!

Huh? Wait, these look homemade!

Toya, did you bake these?

Yes, I hope they're to your liking...

Wh...

Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Whaaat?!

Toya, you know how to bake?!

Wow! Is that true?! Thank you so much! I feel super duper extra amazingly happy!

Y-You're welcome...

I'm glad you like them.

Still, Toya, where did you find the time to learn how to bake these...?

Oh, I didn't bake them all by myself.

I had quite a few people help me as I made mistakes along the way. Luckily, I was able to bake something suitable in the end.

I see... Just for us...

Thank you for putting so much effort into these.

But you two did the same by preparing all this for me.

So, thank you very much...

Toya...

Toya...

I'm gonna go get that tea ready now! I want us to have these together...!

Yes, I'd like that as well!

Toya, would mind helping me put your cupcakes onto some plates?

Yes, of course.

Okay, this one has chocolate chips in it... And is this one green tea flavored?

There's so many different kinds!

I'm having fun just looking at them all♪

Yes, me too...

Oh! Saki, look! This one has a strawberry on top!

Hey, you're right! I want that one!

Yes, have at it!

However, in return, I'll be taking this blueberry one!

Got it. The blueberry one♪

Which would you like, Toya?

Oh, I'll have... The one with matcha in it. I made one that isn't too sweet for myself.

Oh, okay!

Alright, I think we all have one now...

Yes! Let's thank Toya for baking these and...

Dig in!

Toya, this... This is delicious!

Mind if I try this chocolate chip one as well?!

Hey, Tsukasa, no fair!

I wanna try it too!

Then, let's split it!

Here's your half!

Really? Thanks, Tsukasa!

Hehe. I really appreciate it.

Oh, Toya, do you want some more tea?

Ah, yes, please...

Still, this all feels so nostalgic.

It reminds me of the time we had homemade treats when we were little.

Hey, yeah! Mom used to bake us stuff all the time back then!

Yes, I remember as well.

All the times we played and had these sorts of treats together when we were children...

Each of those moments is beyond precious to me.

Toya...

Of course, we feel the same way.

That includes today.

Yeah! You made these delicious cupcakes for us and we got to have them together... I can't think of a better way for us to spend time together!

Also...

I hope the three of us get to keep on gathering like this! That would make me sooo happy!

As I! It'd be wonderful to be able to spend time together like this no matter how old we get.

Yes, I'd like that as well...

(This is so strange...)

(It's like nothing has changed since we were little. Every time I come here, I feel right at home...)

(I used to feel so lonely back then.

I wasn't sure that there was anyone out there who understood how I felt...)

(But now, I have a partner, teammates and friends who understand just that... Thanks to them, I rarely ever feel lonely.)

(But...still...)

(This feeling of being at ease with myself... It's been keeping me afloat all this time...)

(I hope the gift I gave today makes up for even a little bit of what they've given me...)

(I can't say for sure, but...)

(I'm so glad that they both enjoyed my gift.)